Sleep Aid for Pregnancy: Tart cherry
Introduction
An improbable journey, filled with joy, hope, and some sleepless nights complete the rollercoaster ride of a pregnancy. A woman’s body goes through several remarkable changes and finding ways to have some restful sleep becomes essential.
Sleep during pregnancy is a must. In this blog, we will discuss some ways to help you get that much needed restful sleep. One way is to include tart cherries in your diet. Oh yeah, you heard that right! Tart Cherries shall back you up on your sleep needs during pregnancy. Let’s see how.
Tart Cherry during Pregnancy
Cherries offer several benefits during pregnancy:
- Boost Immunity: Cherries are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, which help fight infections and strengthen your immune system.
- Support Foetal Brain Health: The anthocyanins found in cherries protect neural cells and promote the development of a healthy brain in the foetus.
- Reduce Swelling and Inflammation: The anthocyanin compounds in cherries have anti-inflammatory properties, which can alleviate swelling and joint pain during pregnancy.
- Help Prevent Gestational Diabetes: Nutrient-dense cherries can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
- Combat Fatigue: Cherries, with their high water content, provide an energy boost and help combat fatigue during pregnancy.
- Regulate Blood Pressure: The potassium in cherries helps prevent water retention and maintain healthy blood pressure levels, reducing the risk of preeclampsia.
- Enhance Sleep Quality: Sleeping when pregnant can be a bit difficult for pregnant women. Cherries contain melatonin, an antioxidant that promotes better sleep. Consuming cherry juice can help overcome sleep disturbances during pregnancy.
Tart Cherry Juice: Melatonin
Tart cherry, scientifically known as Prunus cerasus, is a vibrant fruit known for its distinct tart taste. It is packed with an array of beneficial compounds, including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, its true superpower lies in aiding you to sleep well.
Tart cherries have melatonin, a sleep-enhancing hormone. It helps in the regulation of your body’s sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin is naturally produced by the pineal gland in your brain. While melatonin can also be supplemented if need be.
Additionally, cherries also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that is known to be involved in the production of serotonin (happiness hormone) as well as melatonin. Interestingly, the unique enzymes present in tart cherries help retain tryptophan in the body for a longer duration. This means that eating tart cherries not only helps you sleep peacefully but also helps you sleep a little faster and longer than usual.
Tart Cherry Juice and Sleep
To harness the sleep-inducing powers of tart cherry during pregnancy, consider the following tips:
- Fresh Tart Cherries (Whole or Juice): Enjoy fresh tart cherries as a bedtime snack to boost melatonin naturally. Or sip on pure tart cherry juice before bed, dilute it with water if desired.
- Tart Cherry Supplements: If consuming fresh cherries or juice is not feasible, tart cherry supplements are available in capsule or tablet form.
Choosing the Right Supplement
OptiMag plus by Dame Health is made up of natural tart cherry extracts, instead of synthetic melatonin tablet formulation. It also has chamomile tea extracts that naturally calms the body and mind, eventually helping you sleep peacefully.
Additionally, it has Magnesium Glycinate, which alleviates muscle tension, leg cramps and inflammation, and also aids in the optimal development of the baby's organs, bones, and immune system. It has zinc that helps boost immunity.
Conclusively, 1 tablet of Opti-Mag Plus daily with meals, brings about a state of calmness to the mind and body. Once the body is in a relaxed state, you can sleep like a baby. All the ingredients used in the formulation are safe for pregnant and lactating mothers.